Remembrance Sunday at Cenotaph to be closed to public for first time in 100 years
ROYALS will be out in force for this year’s Remembrance Sunday commemoration despite Covid restrictions.
But the public will be urged to stay away and watch on TV — and the march past of 10,000 veterans has been cancelled for the first time in 100 years.
The Queen will attend a secure service with Kate and Camilla on November 8.
And Charles and William will lay poppy wreaths at the Cenotaph with hand-picked veterans and representatives of Britain’s wartime allies.
Parade organiser the Royal British Legion called the decision “deeply disappointing”.
It was planning for a slimmed-down event of about 2,000 people.
Jim Gardener, 78, who has marched for the past 15 years, said: “While we won’t be able to salute our fallen comrades in the usual way, we will still remember them wherever we are.
“We’re looking forward to marching next year.”
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said many vets were in the most vulnerable categories. On a visit to the poppy factory in Richmond, Surrey, he told The Sun: “I’m sure many of them will be tough enough to go for it but, as a Government, we have to protect them.
“I hope it doesn’t change people’s hearts and minds about what it is about.”
CENOTAPH COVID FEARS
It comes as it was announced London will be placed into Tier 2 lockdown from midnight tomorrow as coronavirus cases surge.
Last year, the Queen, 94, was seen wiping away a tear as she watched the service.
Prince Charles, 71, Prince William, 38, and Prince Harry, 36, were among the royals to lay wreaths at the Cenotaph last November.
Meghan Markle, 39, arrived at the event with Harry as the pair put on a show of unity alongside William and Kate Middleton.
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People are being urged to watch the annual event on TV.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "Whilst we will mark this occasion properly, it is with a heavy heart that I must ask people not to attend the ceremony at the Cenotaph this year in order to keep veterans and the public safe."
He added: "We will ensure our plans for the day are a fitting tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice - and that our veterans are at the heart of the service - with the nation able to watch safely from home."
Around 10,000 people, including Armed Forces heroes, attended last year's event in central London's Whitehall.
The Queen had vowed to return to public duty in time to lead the nation at Remembrance Day.
Her Majesty today attended her first engagement since Covid restrictions were brought in seven months ago.
This year, local Remembrance events must also comply with restrictions on the number of people allowed to meet outside.
How to be a poppy star
THE pandemic may have stopped thousands of sellers from hitting the streets — but it doesn’t have to stop you from buying a poppy. MIKE RIDLEY looks at some of the ways you can do your bit for the appeal by going to:
- Fundraise for appeal: Move to Remember and the 11/11 Challenge are among the fundraising suggestions from the appeal itself. Free fundraising packs on the website will give the help and support you will need.
- Poppies in the post: Help make up for the reduced number of volunteer collectors by requesting 20 poppies free of charge from the RBL — and then giving them to friends and family yourself in return for a donation.
- My poppy run 2020: Run, walk or jog any distance, anywhere and at any time. Get family and friends involved to raise cash. And buy a T-shirt to run in and a medal to give to yourself afterwards!
- Visit the poppy shop: There is an extensive range of products from poppy pins and jewellery to clothing, stationery and homeware. All profits fund the Legion’s work in supporting the Armed Forces community.
- Make online donation: Alternatively, you could just visit the British Legion’s website and make a donation. You can choose a one-off payment or set up a regular amount — and no amount is too small.
…OR POP INTO YOUR LOCAL SAINSBURY’S, TESCO, ASDA, ALDI OR MORRISONS AND BUY A POPPY
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Bob Gamble, assistant director for commemorative events for the Royal British Legion, said it was "deeply disappointing" this year's march was cancelled.
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But he added: "We can all still play a part in ensuring we mark the occasion appropriately and pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of our armed forces on Remembrance Sunday.
"We are encouraging people across the country to participate in their own personal moment of remembrance, whether that be watching the service on television or pausing for the two-minute silence."
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We need you more than ever
By Claire Rowcliffe, Legion's Director of Fundraising
IT is more important than ever that people continue to back the Poppy Appeal — but this time in a new way.
Each year 40,000 volunteers make the Poppy Appeal happen. However, this year things have to change.
Many of our collectors now fall into vulnerable categories and it is simply not safe for them to carry out their usual face-to-face collections.
The pandemic has had a devastating impact on people’s livelihoods across every sector of society, including the Armed Forces community, some of whom are now in dire need of urgent help.
Across generations, we have relied on the courage of our Armed Forces during times of crisis and this year they have once again stepped up, standing alongside essential workers against Covid-19.
However people choose to support us, every poppy will make a difference to the lives of our Armed Forces community who, across the generations, have continued to step up to defend our way of life.
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